Embedded media terminal adapter (EMTA) endpoint redirect mode

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods are disclosed for enabling an embedded media terminal adapter (EMTA) with included MIB objects to redirect a received telephone call. Based on the MIB objects, the EMTA communicates with a cable modem termination system (CMTS) to set up two service flows where one flow is set up between two EMTAs and one flow is set up between the endpoint EMTA and the NOC.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates in general to voice over Internet Protocol systems over broadband, more specifically broadband over coaxial cable, and more particularly, to the field of enabling a media terminal adapter to redirect a telephone call to a second endpoint.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Multiple services operators (MSOs) are now capable of providing many services in addition to broadcast audio/video signals over their existing systems. Some advanced services in a broadband communications system provide conventional cable television signals along with other telephony services, such as high-speed data and telephone. To support these additional services, cable modems and media terminal adapters (MTAs), which is also known as embedded media terminal adapters (EMTAs) when the cable modem is included in an MTA, are used in the subscriber's premises and have typically been coupled with coaxial cable to a communications network. U.S. Pat. No. 6,161,011 to Loveless, the disclosure and teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference, shows an example of a hybrid fiber/coaxial (HFC) communications network that could be used to implement the present invention.

Public switched telephone networks (PSTNs) traditionally carry voice signals using a circuit-switched infrastructure. This infrastructure lends itself easily to a Network Operation Center (NOC) intercepting a call that is in progress at multiple points throughout the network to assess the voice quality. On the other hand, a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) network in a broadband communications system uses IP packets to route telephone calls. Due to the nature of IP packet routing, which can take many different paths in the system, it is extremely difficult to intercept a call and determine possible problems.

Thus, there exists a need for a more efficient system and method of intercepting a telephone call in a VoIP communications system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the invention. In the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a PSTN and a VoIP communications system that are suitable for transmitting voice and data signals.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the VoIP communications system of FIG. 1 including call routing equipment that is suitable for use in the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a subscriber's premise including an EMTA coupled to telephones and a computer that is suitable for use in the system of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the EMTA of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a table illustrating management information base (MIB) objects table in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a conventional call flow throughout the VoIP communications system of FIG. 2.

FIG. 7 is an abridged illustration of steps included in the conventional call flow of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a redirected call flow throughout the VoIP communications system of FIG. 2 in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an abridged illustration of steps included in the redirected call flow of FIG. 8 in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Preferred embodiments of the invention can be understood in the context of a broadband communications system. Note, however, that the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. All examples given herein, therefore, are intended to be non-limiting and are provided in order to help clarify the description of the invention.

The present invention is directed towards enabling a destination EMTA, i.e., an endpoint EMTA, to redirect a received telephone call in a VoIP communication system. MIB objects are downloaded to the endpoint EMTA specifying a redirected endpoint address, e.g., a NOC or other customer service department, and a control function, which enables the redirect mode. Accordingly, a technician in the NOC is able to receive the redirected voice packets of a phone call. In this manner, a technician is able to troubleshoot the call in order to determine any quality problems.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a PSTN 105 and a VoIP communications system 110 that are suitable for transmitting voice and data signals. The VoIP communications system 110 typically includes a managed Internet Protocol (IP) network 115 and a plurality of HFC networks, where only one HFC network 120 is shown. A headend facility 125 transmits, receives, and manages video, audio, and data signals with a plurality of headend equipment. In a VoIP communications system 110, voice packets are routed throughout the IP network 115 to various HFC networks via a connected hub 130 depending upon a destination address(es). Optical fiber 135 transports the voice packets to an optical node 140 for conversion into electrical signals. Coaxial cable 145 then delivers the converted electrical signal containing voice packets to an intended subscriber 150 a-d. As mentioned, operators are generally able to intercept voice packets at multiple points throughout the PSTN 105 due to the nature of the circuit-switched environment. In contrast, operators are not able to intercept voice packets as readily in a VoIP system 110 due to the many different routes voice packets may take throughout the system 110, as well as far-end echo that prohibits proper analyzing of the voice packets.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the VoIP communications system 110 of FIG. 1 including call routing equipment that is suitable for use in the present invention. Routing equipment includes a plurality of CMTSs 205 a-b that connects to all cable modems or EMTAs in the system 110. The CMTSs 205 a-b are also the connectivity point between the IP network 115 and an HFC network 120 a-b. A call management server (CMS) 210, also known as a softswitch, controls the video and audio call connections. Additionally, a NOC 215, or other customer service organization, includes people and other technical equipment in order to service the VoIP communications system 110.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a subscriber's premise 150 a including an EMTA 320 coupled to telephones 325 and a computer 330 that is suitable for use in the system of FIG. 2. A radio frequency (RF) splitter 310 receives the incoming signals and routes the signals to a DHCT 315 and an EMTA 320. The DHCT 315 processes cable television packets for display subsequent display on a television. The EMTA 320 processes and routes all received voice and data packets to an appropriate endpoint telephone 325 and/or computer 330.

FIG. 4 is a more detailed block diagram of the EMTA of FIG. 3. A coaxial F connector 410 connects the EMTA 320 to the VoIP communications system 110. A tuner 415 then receives and filters data intended for the EMTA 320 and routes the data to a processor 420. If the data is intended for a coupled computer, the processor 420 routes the data to either an Ethernet connector 435 or a USB connector 440 depending upon the application. If the data is telephony data, the data is routed to a telephony digital signal processor (DSP) 445 for further processing, such as code decoding, packetization, echo cancellation, or other telephone signal processing. The telephony data is then routed to a connected telephone 325 and/or computer softphone 330 via a subscriber line interface chip (SLIC) 450. The telephone 325 and computer 330 are typically connected to the EMTA 320 with CAT-3 or CAT-5 wiring and an RJ11 telephone jack 455. The EMTA 320 also includes a power supply 460 for powering the telephony DSP 445 and the SLICs 450 as well as memory 425, such as SDRAM and Flash memory, for system storage purposes.

FIG. 5 is a table illustrating management information base (MIB) objects table 500 in accordance with the present invention. The MIB objects table 500 generally may be included in non-volatile memory of the EMTA 320 or it may be a downloadable configuration file. In the present invention, a subscriber 150 b that may be experiencing audio problems may have a MIB objects downloaded to their EMTA 320. The downloaded MIB objects and the associated operation identification number (OID) 510, i.e., the object's numbering scheme, are stored in the MIB objects table 500. Accordingly, a first MIB object 515 designating an EMTA redirect address is given an IP address of the NOC. A second MIB object 520 enables redirected mode. The redirect mode may be disabled by downloading another MIB object returning the control function 520 to normal call processing.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a conventional call flow throughout the VoIP communications system 110, and FIG. 7 is an abridged illustration of steps included in the conventional call flow of FIG. 6. Referencing FIGS. 6 and 7, when an originating subscriber 150 a initiates placing a call from either a telephone 325 or a computer softphone in step 705, the subscriber's EMTA 320 a may identify and verify a dialed valid number by an included digit map. Alternatively, the CMS 210 may perform this function. Once verified, the EMTA 320 a builds a packet that contains information about the EMTA 320 a and the number dialed. Also included in the packet is a destination IP address of the CMS 210. Accordingly, the packet is routed to the subscriber's CMTS 205 a and then on to the CMS 210. The CMS 210 searches a database to determine the CMTS that serves the destination dialed telephone and then routes the voice packets through the IP network 115 to the correct hub 130 b, which routes the voice packets to the determined CMTS 205 b. The CMS 210 then creates a connection (CRCX) in step 710 with the destination EMTA 150 b, i.e., endpoint EMTA, in step 710. The endpoint EMTA 150 b sets up a dynamic service add (DSA) in step 715, which sets up a service flow with its associated CMTS 205 b. The CMTS 205 b sends a response in step 720 that is acknowledged by the endpoint EMTA 150 b in step 725. The endpoint EMTA 150 b then sends an acknowledgement of the last command in step 730 to the CMS 210, and an open line of communication is then set up between the callers 150 a, 150 b allowing for the voice packets to be freely transmitted using real time protocol (RTP) in step 735.

In step 740, when the call is over, a notify hang up signal is sent from the endpoint EMTA 150 b to the CMS 210. The CMS 210 in steps 745 and 750 acknowledges the command and deletes the connection (DLCX). The endpoint EMTA 150 b acknowledges the DLCX command in step 755 and, in step 760, sends a dynamic service delete (DSD) to the CMTS 250 b deleting the service. The CMTS 250 b responds in step 765, and the endpoint EMTA 150 b acknowledges in step 770, thereby ending the call.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a redirected call flow throughout the VoIP communications system of FIG. 2, and FIG. 9 is an abridged illustration of steps included in the redirected call flow of FIG. 8 in accordance with the present invention. Referencing FIGS. 8 and 9, an originating subscriber 150 a initiates a call in step 905. After verifying the dialed number, the subscriber's EMTA 320 a builds a packet that contains information about the EMTA 320 a and the number dialed. Also included in the packet is a destination IP address of the CMS 210. Accordingly, the packet is routed to the subscriber's CMTS 205 a and then on to the CMS 210. The CMS 210 searches a database to determine the CMTS that serves the destination dialed telephone and then routes the voice packets through the IP network 115 to the correct hub 130 b, which routes the voice packets to the determined CMTS 205 b. The CMS 210 then creates a connection (CRCX) in step 910 with the endpoint EMTA 150 b in step 710.

In accordance with the present invention, MIB object enabling the redirected mode along with the NOC address are downloaded to the endpoint EMTA 150 b. Accordingly, the endpoint EMTA 150 b relays the CRCX command to the NOC 215 in step 915, and the NOC sends an acknowledgement in step 920. The endpoint EMTA 150 b then sets up two dynamic service adds (DSAs) in step 925, which sets up two separate service flows with its associated CMTS 205 b first with the calling endpoint 150 a and a second service flow with the NOC 215. The CMTS 205 b sends a response for the two service flows in step 930 that is acknowledged by the endpoint EMTA 150 b in step 935. The endpoint EMTA 150 b then sends an acknowledgement of the last command in step 940 to the CMS 210. In steps 945 and 950, an open line of communication is then set up between the endpoint EMTA 150 b and the NOC 215 to route RTP voice packets; in addition, a relay is set up allowing for the voice packets to be relayed between the endpoint EMTA 150 b and the originator 150 a. In this manner, the NOC 215 receives all voice packets for analyzing.

In step 960, when the call is over, a notify hang up signal is sent from the endpoint EMTA 150 b to the CMS 210. The CMS 210 in steps 965 and 970 acknowledges the command and deletes the connection (DLCX). The endpoint EMTA 150 b acknowledges the DLCX command in step 975 and, in step 980, the NOC 215 sends an acknowledgement signal. The endpoint EMTA 150 b sends a dynamic service delete (DSD) to the CMTS 250 b deleting the two services in step 985. The CMTS 250 b responds in step 990, and the endpoint EMTA 150 b acknowledges in step 995, thereby ending the call.

It will be appreciated that a solution to redirecting a call cannot be accomplished with conventional call forwarding. Call forwarding instructions are handled with the CMS 210, not with the EMTA 150 a-d. Accordingly, a call initiated by a subscriber with an initiating EMTA 150 a is routed to the appropriate endpoint by the CMS 210. The CMS 210 determines that the desired endpoint subscriber 150 b has enabled call forwarding and immediately responds to the initiating EMTA 150 a to route the call to the forwarded number not the endpoint EMTA 150 b. At this point, the NOC 215 cannot determine any issues that the endpoint EMTA 150 b may be experiencing since the call is not routed to that point.

Accordingly, systems and methods have been provided that enables an EMTA to redirect calls in order for reasons such as testing and troubleshooting. It is understood that though the examples described in the description are directed towards an on-net call, i.e., calls within the VoIP communications system 110, the system and methods described also apply to an off-net call, i.e., a call received from the PSTN 105. Additionally, careful attention to security should be required due to the redirecting of telephone calls. It will be appreciated that further embodiments are envisioned that implement the invention, for example, using all software or adding modes for additional features and services. 

1. A method comprising: downloading, to a computing device, management information base (MIB) objects, wherein a first MIB object specifies a redirect address and a second MIB object specifies enabling a redirect mode; storing the MIB objects a MIB objects table, wherein each MIB object is stored with an associated operation identification number, wherein the operation identification number associated with the first MIB object is a numerical representation of the redirect address and the operation identification number associated with the second MIB object is a numerical representation of the redirect mode; receiving a redirect enable signal and the redirected address at a desired endpoint; receiving a call signal at the desired endpoint; based on the redirect enable signal, redirecting voice packets associated with the call signal to the redirected address according the redirect mode, and receiving a redirect disable signal at the desired endpoint, wherein receiving the redirect disable signal at the desired endpoint comprises: receiving a third MIB object at the desired endpoint, wherein the third MIB object specifies the disabling of the redirect mode, and replacing the second MIB object with the third MIB object.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of: setting up two service flows for the voice packets, wherein a first service flow is between the desired endpoint and the redirected address and a second service flow is between the desired endpoint and an originating endpoint.
 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising the steps of: receiving a hang up signal from the redirected endpoint; and terminating the two service flows.
 4. The method of claim 2, wherein the originating endpoint is one of a telephone, computer softphone, and wireless telephone.
 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of transmitting the call signal from the desired endpoint to at least one of a coupled telephone and computer softphone of the call signal.
 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of creating a connection between an originating endpoint and the desired endpoint.
 7. The method of claim 6, further comprising the step of deleting the connection upon receiving a hang up signal.
 8. An embedded media terminal adapter (EMTA) comprising: management information base (MIB) objects, wherein a first MIB object specifies a redirect address, a second MIB object specifies enabling a redirect mode, and a third MIB object specifies disabling of the redirect mode, wherein the MIB objects are stored in a MIB objects table, wherein each MIB object is stored with an associated operation identification number, wherein the operation identification number associated with the first MIB object is a numerical representation of the redirect address and the operation identification number associated with the second MIB object is a numerical representation of the redirect mode; and a processor for: receiving a call signal from an originating endpoint and for redirecting voice packets associated with the call signal to the redirected address according the redirect mode, and replacing the second MIB object with the third MIB object for disabling the redirect mode.
 9. The EMTA of claim 8, wherein the processor is further configured for transmitting a signal to a cable modem termination system (CMTS) for setting up two service flows.
 10. The EMTA of claim 9, wherein the CMTS responds to the EMTA with the two service flows, wherein a first service flow is between the EMTA and the redirected address and a second service flow is between the EMTA and the originating endpoint.
 11. The EMTA of claim 9, wherein the voice packets associated with the call signal freely flow across the two service flows.
 12. The EMTA of claim 9, wherein upon receiving a hang up signal, the EMTA for transmitting a hang up signal to the CMTS for deleting the two service flows.
 13. The EMTA of claim 8, wherein upon receiving a MIB object specifying normal call processing, the processor for receiving voice packets from a call and for forwarding the voice packets to at least one of a coupled telephone, computer softphone, and wireless telephone.
 14. A communications system comprising: an embedded media terminal adapter (EMTA) for: receiving management information base (MIB) objects from an operations center, wherein a first MIB object specifies a redirect address, a second MIB object specifies enabling a redirect mode, and a third MIB object specifies disabling the redirect mode, receiving a call signal from an originating endpoint, redirecting voice packets associated with the call signal to the redirected address, wherein the MIB objects are stored in a MIB objects table, wherein each MIB object is stored with an associated operation identification number, wherein the operation identification number associated with the first MIB object is a numerical representation of the redirect address and the operation identification number associated with the second MIB object is a numerical representation of the redirect mode, and replacing the second MIB object with the third MIB object for disabling the redirect mode.
 15. The communications system of claim 14, further comprising: a CMTS for setting up two service flows in response to an EMTA dynamic service add signal, wherein a first service flow is between the EMTA and the redirected address and a second service flow is between the EMTA and the originating endpoint.
 16. The communications system of claim 15, wherein the voice packets associated with the call signal freely flow across the two service flows.
 17. The communications system of claim 14, wherein upon receiving a hang up signal, the EMTA for transmitting a hang up signal to the CMTS for deleting the two service flows.
 18. The communications system of claim 14, wherein analysis of the voice packets received by the redirected address is performed.
 19. The communications system of claim 14, the EMTA for transmitting the voice packets to at least one of a coupled telephone, computer softphone, and wireless telephone, and for transmitting voice packets received from the at least one of the coupled telephone, computer softphone, and wireless telephone to the redirected address and the originating endpoint.
 20. The communications system of claim 14, the EMTA for receiving a MIB object specifying normal call processing, wherein the EMTA receives voice packets from a call and forwards the voice packets to a coupled telephone, and wherein the EMTA forwards voice packets received from the coupled telephone to the originating endpoint. 